A3 Reports - Lean Six Sigma

1 A3 ReportsAims & ObjectivesTarget Audience :Anyone who has to write a report or proposalPurpose of Module :To confirm understanding and benefits of A3 report writing to how to create & Objectives : To confirm understanding of how to clarify thinking in a concise way To define a standard format for Reports To guide in the various steps in the creation of a report To demonstrate the ability to create an A3 Course Agenda Define a standard format for Reports Guide in the various steps in the creation of a report To demonstrate the ability to create an A3 What is an A3 ReportA process used to document and report solutions to problems established within any area of the organisation.

2 This differs from other types of report in the way that all information is disclosed on an A3 being: Aim Objectives Methodology Result Post result analysis Learning pointsWhy A3 ReportA3 Reports offer a simple and structured approach to reporting solutions to Reports are particularly effective in demonstrating to third parties the development stages of a fault, in reaching a solution. A3 Reports reveal the actions taken, or to be taken, in eradicating Reports reflect the benefits of implementing a particular methods to a problem, with the provision of , A3 Reports leads to the identification & elimination of waste, in order to control / 20 RuleWhen writing the report remember the 80/20 rule!

3 What when where why who howSummary Detail 5 w s 1 hProposal 20%80%Make it Easy to Read!Summary Detail 5 w s 1 hProposal Summary Summary If it s difficult to read I m not going toread it and you will not getwhat you want!Show the Status if report on ProgressSummary Detail 5 w s 1 hProposal x-on plan-away from plan withrecovery action in place-away from plan,no recovery in placestatusA3 ReportAIM: Simple & Concise statement reflecting targets or : Listing of all objectives necessary to achieveaims (bullet points).

4 METHOD: Step-by-step description of method to beemployed in satisfying aims and : Results obtained from pursuing describedmethodology, in satisfying aims and RESULT ANALYSIS: Suggested changes inmethodology, in order to improve results POINTS: Conclusion to an A3 report . Wasaims and objectives satisfied? Any unexpected findings observed?Title: Area or fault that A3 report is being implemented NUMBER: A number must be assigned to reportfor tracaebility Reports - ExampleDetermine your s the purpose?

5 Decide type of A-3 Decide and construct your storyMust satisfy your reader s needsProvide information to Support your storyAnalyze your informationCharts, graphsVisualise you re A-3*Does it tell a story?*Is it brief, concise?Did we reach a conclusion?What s the recommendation?Did we satisfy our goal?How?A3 Reports - Benefits Helps define a standard for all to use. Provides a clear and concise method of reporting information. Method of operation is visible and accessible to all. Can promote communication, and team working.

6 Leads to reduction of waste. A continuous improvement activity. Creates efficient working ISSUESPROPOSAL, Cont dTO:DATE: FROM:PROPOSAL STORY(replace this heading with your title)_____WHATWHO WHEN A3 Reports - ExamplePROBLEM SOLVING report STORY(replace this heading with your title)THEMEPROBLEM SITUATIONCAUSE ANALYSISIMPLEMENTATIONCOUNTERMEASURESTO: DATE: FROM:TARGET/ GOALFOLLOW-UP_____WHATWHO WHEN A3 Reports - ExampleA3 Reports - ExampleSTATUS report STORY(replace this heading with your title)THEMEBACKGROUNDIMPLEMENTATIONUNRES OLVED PROBLEMS/ FUTURE ACTIONSTOTAL EFFECTTO:DATE: FROM:OBJECTIVESPLANT LEARNINGSPURPOSE OF VISITINTRODUCTIONName:Plant: TO:DATE: FROM.

7 PLANT LEARNINGS (Cont d) 11 IMPLEMENTATION PLANWHATWHOWHENA3 Reports - ExampleAnytime you wish to clearly tell a story, especially whenYou wish to simplify or clarify a complicated issue 12A3 Reports - When to Use ThemA3 Reports - Why?BECAUSE AN A-3 report Logical Thinking What/How to accomplish Decision-Making All facts on one page Provides Standardised Method of Communication is easy for to recognize and read Forces Addressing of All Issues any steps/facts left out? Focuses Problem Solving Activities 5 Whys Eliminates Waste New methods help you think about waste and how it can be eliminated Forces You to Ask:Why do this?

8 Does it make sense?Will it improve the current process? Will it solve a problem?PEOPLEREDUCTION IN VARIATIONQUICK SET-UPLEAD TIME REDUCTIONERROR PROOFINGVISUAL CONTROLSSMALL LOT STRATEGY-Standardised Format-Standardised Format-Promotes quicker decision making-Concise, clear communication-Easier to spot defects-Improves decision making-Reduces multi-page Reports to one-Standardised Format-A standardised approach to business communication used to develop people Eliminates waste Lowers costs Improves profitsA3 Reports A3 Reports A3 Reports A3 Reports A3 Reports A3 Reports A3 Reports A3 Reports --------WhyWhyWhyWhyWhyWhyWhyWhyA3 Reports - Why?

9 A3 Reports - Summary Plan time to grasp the ENTIRE situation Decide what kind of story you need to tell Relate the story to top company values, philosophies Make your story flow in a logical sequence Save words use graphs and visuals Make every word countExampleDateIssue Sign Module: 1. Purpose of this module / element. 3. Proposal4. Potential issues and countermeasures5. Reference onroute mapTU Glossary Exec. summaryStandard formasStep by stepguidesWorked examplesCase studiesMemory joggersTrainingcoursesSimulationsexercis esExperts tocontactDetailedroute mapElementsKey :Helicopter view:Detailed view:Case StudyA standardised method for a production work group to analyse andsignificantly reduce set-up time.

10 Change over time is the time between the last good part of one production run to the first good part of the Next Production run. An important influence on the QCO activities has the required process capacity to satisfy the customer demand in planned production time (Customer Takt )Quick Changeover (QCO)PurposeBring a batch production process as close as possible to a flow production process! Increase the flexibility of the process!PropertiesQCO integrates the c/o into the production responsibilityService Departments are involved by supporting the production inreaching their production Metrics is the Production for implementation QCO activities focus firstly on bottlenecks (determined by VSM on a large scale and by the c/o matrix on a smale scale) All shifts have to be involved into the activities.